BWTC Secures 'Best Use of Lighting - Exterior' Award for Innovative Architectural Lighting Design Concept
Bahrain: 27 April 2010: Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC), Bahrain's iconic landmark has been announced the 2010 winner of 'Best Use of Lighting - Exterior' Award for its innovative architectural lighting design illuminating the exterior of the structure, at the inaugural PALME Middle East Awards. The awards - which recognise technical excellence in audio visual (AV), audio technology and lighting design - were held alongside the PALME exhibition, the region's only trade event dedicated to professional lighting, audio, music, entertainment, audio visual and systems integration solutions.
Designed and engineered by Atkins, BWTC's twin sail-shaped towers are famous for being the world's first commercial building to incorporate large-scale wind turbines, and symbolise Bahrain's positive approach to the principles of sustainability.
The PALME award was presented to LDP International, BWTC's sub-consultant responsible for providing integrated lighting solution and design concept, at the ceremony held at the Al Multqua Ballroom at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, recently.
Bob Addison, Country Manager of DTZ, BWTC's Managing and Leasing agents in Bahrain commented: "At BWTC we have made an extraordinary effort to set a technological precedent in every aspect of this iconic project, and of course that including lighting the building exterior. The BWTC is visible from practically everywhere in Bahrain, and its stunning external illuminations have been a key reason for its iconic status as a feature on the Manama skyline. Not only is the technology cutting edge, but it is adaptable to suit various lighting schemes, for example the recent World Autism Awareness Day when we lit up entirely in blue to support the condition in conjunction with the United Nations."
Inspiration for the lighting concept was driven by the iconic architecture visualised by Atkins' studio. The location and coastal setting created opportunities for interesting play and interaction of movement and light. Lights follow the curved elliptical form linked by the BWTC's three bridges incorporating the feature wind turbines. These three 29m diameter turbines produce 11-15% of the towers' electrical requirement and are very much the focal point of the project.
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About the Awards
The PALME Middle East awards were open to manufacturers, distributors, installation companies, lighting designers, rental firms and PR & marketing companies. The entries in the various categories were judged by a panel of internationally and regionally recognised and respected judges from a variety of industry sectors and disciplines.
BWTC's previous accolades include:
NOVA Awards 2009
The world's first building to ever integrate large-scale commercial wind turbines into a mixed-use development
Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats 2008
Winner of 2008 'Best Tall Building Awards' MENA region
Building Exchange Awards 2008
Sustainability Award Winner
Building Design Awards 2008
Architect of the Year Award Winner
Construction Week Awards 2008
Tower Project of the Year Award Winner
Popular Science 2008
Winner Engineering Award
EDIE Award for Environmental Excellence 2007
Building Award Winner
LEAF Awards 2006
Green Building Award Winner
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About Bahrain World Trade Center
Situated on the Manama waterfront and in the heart of the region's leading financial and business hub, the Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) project comprises the two 50-storey sail shaped twin office towers, the five-star Sheraton Hotel as well as MODA Mall, Bahrain's only ultra high-end shopping destination, featuring some 160 luxury retail outlets as well as a host of modern cafes and exciting fine dining eateries.
The BWTC provides leading regional and international organizations with a world-class business address. The buildings are highly advanced in design and operation and are the Kingdom's first intelligent offices, employing the latest SMART systems capable of delivering unsurpassed security and maximum competitive advantages and efficiency in office management. In addition, they are the first of their kind in the world, using wind energy to provide 11 - 15% of the electricity needs of the office towers.
Other benefits enjoyed by local and international businesses occupying space at the development is membership to the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). Locating at the BWTC offers an exceptional opportunity for connectivity with the global business community. With more than 300 centers in 100 countries, WTCA has a membership of approximately 750,000 commercial enterprises worldwide.
For press information contact:
Neena Punnen
Hill and Knowlton
Tel: +973 17539514
Fax: +973 17533370
Email: neena.punnen@hillandknowlton.com
Press Release 2010
